In QEH board’s hands

by BARRY ALLEYNEMINISTER OF HEALTH Donville Inniss will speak on the impasse between the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) and the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP).But not just yet.He’s giving the board of the QEH enough time to solve the matter. And he has confidence that they will do so in the best interest of the country’s major health institution, as well as all Barbadians“I’m not going to get into all the details regarding this situation at this time,” Inniss said yesterday. “I am in constant contact with the board of the QEH, and these issues have been discussed seriously.”Inniss said the ability to provide proper health care has been in no way compromised since BAMP started industrial action last week.That action was intensified yesterday to include polyclinics, district hospitals, the Geriatric Hospital and the Psychiatric Hospital.“I have all confidence the board and management of the hospital can deal with these issues. I will speak to the nation about this when the time is right,” Inniss said moments after accepting a donation from retail chain, Shop Smart, at its Holders Hill, St James branch.“I am on the job 24/7 and the healthcare provided to Barbadians is still my job. I am not a procrastinator by nature. I enjoy a great relationship with the board and management of the hospital, and I’m satisfied they are working assiduously on this.”He said no issue regarding healthcare was small.“I treat every issue that comes before me as a matter of urgency. I will do the same here.”The minister said he had been following the situation closely, and would speak publicly on the matter in due course.Regarding rumours that he was on a Mediterranean cruise in the middle of the impasse, Inniss quipped that he would like to thank Opposition Leader Mia Mottley for offering him the services of her private jet to whisk him back to Barbados and deal with the impasse. “I am very much here in Barbados. I also worry, like any Barbadian, with anything to do with healthcare,” he said.In response to another question from reporters, Inniss said Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Senator Irene Sandiford-Garner, would, as her duty required, also assist with any matters involving the QEH.